Reigns: Game of Thrones (2018)

For fans of the show, Reigns: Game of Thrones is an entertaining experience. The presentation is great and the writing is stellar. Unfortunately, the game often feels repetitive and the lack of direction makes the game a bit frustrating. If the show’s ending left you wanting, this game might satisfy that craving, but newcomers or those that just started the series should definitely steer clear.

I usually like puzzle games more than high-action games, but this one left me a bit flat. If you want to add an official GoT item to your game collection, this one is only $3.99; so no huge investment and you can while away some time as you wonder, "What if I sat on the throne?" One thing to remember in Reigns: Game of Thrones is a lesson that applies to much in life – you're darned if you do and you're darned if you don't. You will end up dead, it's just a matter of time before your reign ends.

GREAT - Reigns: Game of Thrones is a clever choose your own adventure-styled title with highly accessible mechanics and a very robust dynamic narrative experience. Fans of the series will find a lot of canon to play around with and forge their own paths not seen before. Although not part of our typical rating system, I’ve given a higher total score also primarily due to the staggeringly low price point of $3.99, making it the perfect companion game to enjoy the last season with.

As an officially licensed game – complete with character likenesses in Reigns' angular portrait format and Ramin Djawadi's instantly recognisable score – Reigns: Game of Thrones is about as close as you'll come to living the day-to-day life of a Westeros monarch, short of visiting the Seven Kingdoms for real. By bringing in key characters and events from the books and show, you're given enough authenticity that exploring storylines only ever teased in the source material (such as seeing Jamie on the throne or a more compassionate version of Cersei) feel just as meaningful.

Reigns: Game of Thrones delighted me with fun winks and nods and charming writing, but inevitably winter metaphorically comes and the going gets repetitious. Even with the quick burn, I love all the references and wish fulfillment on display as you get to live out the fanciful reigns of Queen Arya, King Tyrion, and many more. This is an excellent use of the Game of Thrones license despite some inadequacies.